Drew Struzan, legendary movie poster artist of ‘Star Wars’, ‘Harry Potter’ dies at 78

Drew Struzan, the acclaimed artist renowned for creating some of the most iconic movie posters in film history, passed away on October 13, 2025, at the age of 78. The announcement was made through his official Instagram account, stating,

"It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that Drew Struzan has moved on from this world as of yesterday, October 13th. I feel it is important that you all know how many times he expressed to me the joy he felt knowing how much you appreciated his art."

Born in Oregon City in 1947, Struzan studied at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. His early career included creating striking album covers for legendary musicians such as The Beach Boys, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, and the Bee Gees, establishing his signature blend of vivid colors and dynamic compositions.


Struzan made a monumental impact on the film industry, designing over 150 movie posters for some of the most beloved franchises, including ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Indiana Jones,’ ‘Back to the Future,’ ‘Blade Runner,’ and ‘Harry Potter.’ His distinctive ‘circus’ style poster for the 1978 Star Wars re-release became instantly recognizable and set the standard for movie marketing artwork in the blockbuster era.

Spielberg, renowned movie maker, described Struzan as "my favorite movie artist," praising his dedication to visually capturing the essence and magic of each film. Struzan's ability to integrate large ensemble casts into unified, dramatic artwork made his posters treasured by fans across generations. His iconic work remains a staple of cinematic nostalgia and artistry.

In his later years, Struzan battled Alzheimer's disease, which led to his withdrawal from public work but not from the admiration of the entertainment community and fans worldwide.

Drew Struzan's career spanned decades, and his artistry continues to influence movie poster designers. With his passing, the film world mourns the loss of a true visionary whose hand-illustrated posters brought movie magic to life and became an indelible part of Hollywood history.